Job Description
Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management offers a fully funded Ph.D. program in Social Policy, designed to prepare scholars for impactful careers in research, academia, and policy leadership. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary training, rigorous research methodologies, and a commitment to social justice.
Program Overview
-
Degree: Ph.D. in Social Policy
-
Institution: Brandeis University
-
School: Heller School for Social Policy and Management
-
Program Duration: Typically 4–6 years
-
Concentrations:
-
Health Policy
-
Behavioral Health Policy
-
Economic and Racial Equity Policy
-
Children, Youth, and Families Policy
-
Students engage in two years of coursework, participate in doctoral seminars, complete a comprehensive exam, and defend a dissertation. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to select electives that align with their research interests. The program boasts a 100% employment rate for its graduates, reflecting its effectiveness in preparing students for careers in academia, research, and policy-making.
Funding Package
All full-time Ph.D. students receive comprehensive financial support for the first four years of study, which includes:
-
Tuition and Fees: Full coverage.
-
Health Insurance: Premium for individual coverage under the Brandeis Qualifying Student Health Insurance Plan (QSHIP).
-
Stipend: Annual stipend of $21,000, paid in increments from September through May.
Selected students may receive funding through federal training grants, such as the NIAAA Fellowship, which provides an annual stipend of $28,224 for the first three years, along with full tuition and health insurance coverage.
While there is no work requirement tied to the stipend, students have opportunities to work as paid teaching assistants or graduate research assistants.
Admission Requirements
-
Academic Background: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field.
-
Application Materials:
-
Completed online application form.
-
Statement of Purpose detailing research interests and career goals.
-
Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
-
Three letters of recommendation.
-
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
-
GRE scores are not required.
-
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores for non-native English speakers.
-
The application fee is $55, with waivers available for eligible applicants, including alumni of HBCUs and members of service organizations like the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps.